This splendid set of six mukozuke (small dish) is an Obata Kakiemon production. Hideyoshi Obata was a businessman who co founded a kiln in Arita with Kakiemon XII, in 1919. The kiln was named Obata Kakiemon and was allowed to use the Kakiemon marking used at the time called “kakufuku”, which is the marking on this vase. The collaboration between Kakiemon XII and Obata was short lived as the artist and the businessman were always fighting about the direction of their venture. After 8 years they went their separate ways, but the kiln continued producing Arita wares, always inspired by the famed Kakiemon palette and motifs, and using the “kakufuku” signature until 1969. The kiln, still operating today, is now called “Nigama” and is managed by Obata’s grand-son.

Mukozuke are traditionally used during more elaborated Japanese tea ceremonies to serve refined foods. In that world, the choice of the dishes and other utensils is made according to the season and other criteria. This particular set, which present motifs of persimmons (it is the meaning of “kaki” in Kakiemon, in Japanese) would be most appropriate for a ceremony done in the fall.